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On January 1 2022, France took over the Presidency of the Council of the European Union (FPEU). The Presidency's function is to chair meetings of the council, determine its agendas, set a work programme and facilitate dialogue both at Council meetings and with other EU institutions. The role rotates among the EU member states every six months.

But French outlet "Generation Frexit" reminded Mr Macron that he is not "President of the European Union", saying that his role is "purely symbolic".

Anthony Vera-Dobroas, writing for the outlet, mocked the leader for the "great fanfare" with which he anounced France's new role, noting that the French leader even has a website "dedicated" to the role.

He said: "Launched with great fanfare on 9 December by President Emmanuel Macron, the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union (FPEU) really began on 1 January 2022.

"With a great deal of communication, notably with the lighting of public buildings in the blue of the European flag, or the incursion of the flag with the golden stars over the tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the Elyse Palace wishes to make the beginning of 2022 'the year of Europe'.

"The media hype surrounding this presidency is therefore significant.

"A website is even dedicated to it."

To mark the start of the six-month presidency, Mr Macron illuminated historic buildings across France including the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe in the blue of the EU flag on New Year's Eve.

Other observers have noted that the French logo for the presidency includes the letters U and E for "Union Europeene" with a grey arrow in the middle that appears to create a sideways M for Macron.

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"Also, it is France, as a State, and not Emmanuel Macron, that holds the Presidency of the Council of the European Union."

President Macron has set out an ambitious agenda for the EU, saying in his New Year's Eve national address that "the year 2022 must be a turning point for Europe."

On 9 December, France established a list of "priorities" for its six-month presidency, including making the EU "more sovereign", "greener", "more digital", "more social" and "more humane".

Speaking about the French presidency of the EU, he said: "You can count on my complete commitment to ensuring that this period, which comes around every 13 years, is a time of progress for you".

Claire Demesay, an expert at the Marc-Bloch think-tank in Berlin said the presidency gives Mr Macron "welcome platform to put his European record to the forefront and differentiate himself from his rivals".

Pierre Sellal, a former French diplomat at the French mission to the European Union, added: "The French like nothing more than the image or impression of France being 'at the controls'".

Additional reporting by Maria Ortega.

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'Not President of the EU!' Posturing Emmanuel Macron mocked for inflating 'symbolic' role - Daily Express